Liesl

Liesl is a feminine given name that is common in German-speaking regions. It is a diminutive or affectionate form of Elisabeth and is related to other variants such as Liese, Liesel, and Lieselotte. In Austria and southern Germany, Liesl is often used as a given name in its own right.

The name’s international recognition is largely influenced by popular culture. Liesl von Trapp is the eldest daughter in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, a character who appears in both the stage musical and the 1965 film adaptation. In these works, Liesl is portrayed as a young, spirited girl in an Austrian setting, and the character helped popularize the name outside German-speaking communities.

Variants and usage. Liesel and Lieselotte are closely related forms. The spelling Liesl is particularly common in Austria and parts of Germany, while Liesel is frequently seen in northern Germany and among Anglophone audiences through adaptations. The name remains associated with Germanic heritage and is chosen by families seeking a traditional, regionally rooted given name.

Notable fictional uses include Liesl von Trapp, the character from The Sound of Music. See also related names such as Liesel and Lieselotte, and the broader name Elisabeth.